The West Bromwich Albion new boy who moved to the Premiership club from Tranmere Rovers in a #2.25m deal last week suffered a bizarre infection after getting fertiliser in his eye during a Baggies training session.

The Wrexham-born midfielder, who made his West Brom debut in the 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday, needed hospital treatment to have the chemical washed out.

A club doctor was last night expected to decide whether 22-year-old Koumas was fit enough to belatedly link up with the Wales squad before they fly out to Finland on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Mark Pembridge joined up with the national team yesterday despite a week on his sick bed and the loss of seven pounds in weight.

Merthyr Tydfil-born Pembridge has missed Everton's last two games against Birmingham and Manchester City after being struck down by a stomach virus.

But the 31-year-old midfielder, who was in outstanding form in Everton's first two games of the season and Wales's 1-1 draw in Croatia, was given the all clear to join up with his country.

Everton coach Alan Irvine said: "Mark has been excellent for us this season and we are happy with him joining up with Wales."

Last night Wales manager Mark Hughes was also sweating on the availability of Newcastle United pair Craig Bellamy and Gary Speed.

Bellamy, making his comeback after a four-month lay-off with an ankle injury, and Speed should link up with the squad this morning after Newcastle's trip to Liverpool.

Hughes also hopes Ryan Giggs and Mark Crossley come through the clash between Manchester United and Middlesbrough tonight. Their participation at Old Trafford means they will have to travel to Wales's overnight hotel base near Heathrow tomorrow.